Mailbox
This week we talk to participants of a DX conference that took place in Prague. Christopher Lewis from the UK, Gerald Kercher from the US and Edward Dunne tell us their views on the future of international broadcasting.
Two weeks ago a conference of the European DX Council took place in Prague, attended by nearly forty people from Sweden, Hungary, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Germany, Japan, the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Taiwan. The future of international radio and DXing was one of the topics discussed at the conference and the participants were also given guided tours at RFE/RL studios and our studios here at Radio Prague.
I used the occasion to talk to a few of them. I asked them to join the debate that the head of the English department, David Vaughan, launched a few weeks ago here in Mailbox on what our listeners thought made good radio, and where international broadcasting - especially a small station like Radio Prague - should be heading.
Twenty-two year old Christopher Lewis comes from the UK and he's been listening to shortwave radio for about seven years. He says he listens to Radio Prague about two or three times a week.
"I think that even though this is a relatively small station as regards international broadcasting, your presence should still be made felt even if it's just a small part of, for example, a big operation, if it's DRM or satellite or even contributing to one global programme of international broadcasters - just put your feet back in - it would be more than welcome."
And as far as Christopher's favourite programmes on Radio Prague are concerned...
"Basically the news. I like the news because it's local and it's not full of many international events because I tune in to Czech Radio to get news on Prague, which is what you're providing and what I'm looking for."
Gerald Kercher from Connecticut, USA, is a lifelong shortwave fan. This is his view on the future of international broadcasting.
"I'm afraid that there are a number of people who prefer other means of transmissions and listening. But shortwave will always be tops with me. I just enjoy the challenge for one thing, I enjoy the fact that you can take your receiver anywhere and probably pick up something. This, I think, is important for travellers."
And as far as the content is concerned?
"Well, I am mainly a listener - more than a DXer. I like music, yes, and, you know, to get the variety, it's very good, and getting a local slant on international news is certainly important. When you listen to Radio Prague, well, you want to hear something about the Czech Republic. You don't want to hear about the latest to come out of Washington, for heavens' sake! That's ridiculous."
And Edward Dunne comes from Ireland.
"Shortwave listeners like to listen to news stations and hear what's going on in the country. Hopefully, all the stations will stay on shortwave. It's going on to satellite but not everyone has access to the satellite. When you're travelling, you cannot bring a satellite dish. It's nice to have a small radio to tune in. I'm trying to encourage my nephew - he's only seven years old. He could not believe when I said: This station is coming from this country. And he was amazed."
And here's how Edward Dunne likes his shortwave radio.
"It's nice to hear what's happening in the country. From music to what's happening tourist-wise, sports, if you're interested in sports, maybe interviews with people, normal people and what they think of people living outside the Czech Republic."
So those are the views of shortwave enthusiasts who recently took part in a conference in Prague. We'll pin them up on our website where we have opened a special slot for your views on the future of international broadcasting. So if you'd like to tell us what you think, the address is Radio Prague, 12099, Prague, the Czech Republic or [email protected].
And you can write to those addresses if you'd like to enter our monthly competition; the prize for the lucky winner is a CD of Czech music.
"Our mystery man this month is a Czech printmaker and engraver. He was born in 1607 in Prague, where he also spent his youth. Along with other Czechs of Protestant belief he left Bohemia following 1620 and moved to Germany. He finally settled in England where he also died in 1667. After the restoration of the Stuarts he became a painter at the royal court of Charles II. His engravings can be seen in the National Gallery in London, in Prague and in many other galleries all over the world. Among his works are also many views of Prague."
Please send us the name of the artist by the end of May to the usual address, Radio Prague, 12099, Prague, the Czech Republic or [email protected].
And finally, the deadline for Radio Prague's annual competition is fast approaching - you only have a month to send in your entries.
To enter this year, just send us a few lines on the following subject:
"What Czech beer means to me."
The winner will receive a week's stay for two in the Czech Republic and there are other attractive prizes for the runners-up.
The winning entry will be read on all six Radio Prague's different language broadcasts, in the original and in translations.
The winner and a partner will be accommodated in family style in the heart of Prague, at the Hotel Falkensteiner Maria Prag, while your flight will be courtesy of Czech Airlines - your travel partner to the Czech Republic.
Your entries should reach us by June 15th at the following address:
Radio Prague, Vinohradska 12, 12099, Prague 2, Czech Republic, or you can use our e-mail address [email protected]
